The E4OD transmission was introduced by Ford in 1989 as a new super duty automatic overdrive transmission for their trucks. At the time, it was the biggest truck transmission made for Ford trucks through the F-350 line-up and larger. It has been updated by Ford many times and now is called the 4R100 automatic overdrive transmission. They can be purchased as used and in a variety of forms as transmissions for sale.
Changes have been subtle and have increased the durability of this unit immensely. Contrary to popular beliefs that this is a crappy transmission, Brian of GotTransmissions.com and I totally disagree with this analogy. While not being exempt from the issues many new designs have during the first few years of production, this is the most popular series of automatic overdrive transmissions Ford has ever built for their truck line. It has been used in the Excursion for about 10 years or more and some of the other truck chassis based vehicles Ford makes.
For the record, every automatic transmission made needs to be updated. Ideally from the day you bought it. The Ford E4OD and 4R100 require an absolutely necessary group of updates when going through the rebuild transmission process, more than most transmissions, but the real culprit is not the transmission as much as the supporting cast.
The supporting cast as in the radiator and the transmission cooling system.
Here is an explanation of what is wrong with the stock Ford radiator and why it causes so much unhappiness. A built in flaw, that is very correctable using the cooler installation techniques described in this post.
Back to the other updates. Transgo makes the best upgrade kits on the market. They are the original company to recognize the need and develop upgrade kits for automatic transmissions. The basic Shift Kit Jr. is perfect for almost all applications. It cures a bunch of problems mostly dealing with the flow of the automatic transmission fluid and the torque converter. Remember to only use synthetic ATF.
The problem being a loss of fluid flow to the radiator under acceleration or with a heavy load attached.. Couple that with the restriction the radiator causes and you have a recipe for a meltdown, particularly in a heavy duty truck.
The most important part of the update kit does not require transmission removal. With that in mind, if your transmission is healthy, you can couple the updates with the cooler modifications and you have a transmission that will last longer a stock Ford transmission, and be trouble free with the proper maintenance.
This advise is not specific to Ford transmissions, I recommend upgrades and coolers for all transmissions. GotTransmissions.com blog is specifically developed with helpful tips to help you keep some extra cash in your pocket . Please read more and enjoy.
[...] V, which is interchangeable. Chrysler products use a brand specific fluid, but it works great in Fords and General Motors cars and trucks too. It lasts longer before it breaks [...]
[...] got a phone call one day from a man who had a 1995 Ford F-250 truck that had an E4OD transmission. It was running poorly and he wanted a price to rebuild it. I suggested he bring it in [...]
[...] not buy a Ford chassis motor-home due to the engine problems and, in particular the abundance of 4R100 transmission problems he repeatedly sees angry Ford motor-home folks discussing on the internet [...]
[...] from a man who has a 1995 Ford F-250 truck that has an overdrive transmission which is called an E4OD-E. He wanted a price. I suggested he bring it in for a free diagnosis so we could determine exactly [...]
[...] and interpret at least 2 or 3 digits out of the 17 characters in order to purchase an engine or transmission for sale. The two most informational digits [...]
[...] V, which is interchangeable. Chrysler products use a brand specific fluid, but it works great in Fords and General Motors cars and trucks too. It lasts longer before it breaks [...]
Attempting to troubleshoot a transmission fld leak from E40D on a 90 F350(460/4×4). A visual inspection seems to indicate fluid leaking from a rubber seal located at the base of the bellhousing unless its emnating from within the bellhousing from a seal. I did not refill the transcase to verify the leaks location which would then answer the question. However if this seal is easily replaceable perhaps I would perform that task first rather then waste $4/quart to confirm the source of a leak. If you could offer advisement this would be appreciated and thank you for your input.
Sincerely,
Dominic
Typically when do you need to replace these transmissions?